Myles Garrett Chases NFL History Against Aaron Rodgers

Cleveland Browns’ defensive standout Myles Garrett is poised to etch his name in the NFL history books as he approaches a monumental milestone: the single-season sack record. With the upcoming game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 17, Garrett could tie or even surpass the legendary record currently shared by Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt.

The Significance of the Record

• Current Sack Total: Myles Garrett has accumulated 22 sacks this season.
• Record Details: A half-sack would tie him with Strahan and Watt, while a full sack would establish him as the single-season sack leader.

What would make this historic moment even more special? A sack on none other than Aaron Rodgers—a former MVP and a quarterback widely regarded as one of the greatest in NFL history.

“Doing it against [Rodgers] would be special. He’s legendary himself, and it’s a legendary record I’m here chasing,” Garrett noted, emphasizing the significance of the achievement.

Historical Context: Strahan, Favre, and Garret

The last time a record-breaking moment occurred involved Strahan sacking Brett Favre on January 6, 2002. The parallels between those events and Garrett’s potential achievements are striking. Not only would Garrett join the ranks of elite players, but he would also be the first to sack Rodgers, having faced him twice previously without any success.

Previous Matchup: Browns vs. Steelers

In their earlier encounter this season, the Steelers defeated the Browns 23-9, marking a critical loss for Cleveland. The stakes are high as Cleveland gears up for this match, with Garrett eager to seize an opportunity not just for his team but also for his legacy.

Steelers’ Perspective

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin acknowledged the challenge Garrett poses to his team:

“Myles Garrett has certainly been an issue for us. I think he’s had five sacks against us in our last two trips. He’s at the doorstep of history, and we certainly have respect for that.”

Injury Update on T.J. Watt

It’s also worth noting that T.J. Watt, another contender for this prestigious record, will not play against the Browns due to recovering from a collapsed lung. While he’s returned to practice, Watt has been ruled out, leaving the spotlight firmly on Garrett.

Final Thoughts

Myles Garrett stands at a crucial juncture in his career. Should he achieve this historical milestone during the game on Sunday, it would not only solidify his place among NFL legends but also tie him to previous greats like Strahan and Favre.

Key Takeaways

• Myles Garrett’s Current Sacks: 22
• Record to Tie: 22.5 (Strahan & Watt)
• Potential Historical Impact: A sack on Aaron Rodgers could symbolize a full circle moment.

As we look forward to this thrilling confrontation, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if history will be made in Cleveland.

For more information on NFL records, check out NFL.com’s historical statistics or explore ESPN’s coverage for in-depth analysis and updates.